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Meghan Markle’s father arrested in Florida over alleged child sexual abuse material
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Thomas Markle, estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was arrested in Florida on charges of possessing child sexual abuse material, including explicit photos of himself with minors, according to the Justice Department.
- The FBI seized approximately 78 items from two California storage units rented by Markle, containing suspected child pornography, including film negatives identified by a witness as featuring Markle with pre-pubescent girls.
- Markle, 82, is charged with one count of possession of child pornography and is expected to appear in U.S. District Court in Tampa; the FBI noted some materials originated from the Philippines and involved interstate commerce.
- Meghan expressed deep distress over the allegations, stating she has kept her children away from Markle to protect them, and revealed she was previously informed of disturbing claims against him.
- The arrest follows investigations in the Philippines and comes amid ongoing tensions within the royal family, with Harry and Meghan having stepped back as working royals in 2020 and recently returning to Britain with their children.
